Lakers News: Dwight Howard Hoping to Play in Pre-Season

Remember when Dwight Howard was going to be out until January? Now, in a recent statement made by the center, he stated that he might be ready before the season even begins.

According to Mike Trudell of Lakers.com, Howard is targeting a pre-season return, but isn’t certain quite yet.

Howard (back) is continuing to feel good w/no set backs. He said he will “hopefully” play in a preseason game, but no guarantees.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 2, 2012

Still, Howard doesn’t want to rush back only to worsen his injury and cost the team even more in the long run.

Howard: “These guys need me for the whole season.” A reason he doesn’t want to push too fast. But getting closer.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 2, 2012

Howard mentioned at the team’s Media Day yesterday that the goal is to win a championship, and that it’s more important for him to be on the court at the end of the year rather than the beginning. Still, if he’s able to suit up in the pre-season it would be an enormous boost for team chemistry, and would mean the Lakers would have some time to gel with one another before kicking off their regular season against the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 30th.